Camp Burnt Gin accepting applications for summer staff

  COLUMBIA — Camp Burnt Gin, South Carolina’s residential camp for children and teenagers with a physical disability or chronic illness, has begun recruiting staff for the summer of 2005, the S.C. Department of Health and Environmental Control has announced.

“DHEC’s Division of Children with Special Health Care Needs operates the camp each summer for children and adolescents with a wide variety of physical disabilities including orthopedic conditions, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, hearing impairments, epilepsy, sickle cell disease, heart conditions and others,” according to Marie Aimone, camp director.

 Located near Wedgefield in Sumter County, the camp operates five seven-day sessions for children 7 through 15 years of age, two six-day sessions for teenagers 16 through 19 years old and a four-day camp for young adults, 20 through 25 years of age. Camp Burnt Gin offers its campers a wide range of activities including swimming, boating, arts and crafts, fine arts, nature study and games. 

“Staff strives to improve their campers’ self esteem by providing opportunities for success and emphasizing what the campers can do rather than what they cannot,” Aimone said.

Summer employment this year will be from May 28 through August 6 which includes a week of staff training and scheduled days off in between the seven sessions.  Applications are being accepted for: male and female counselors, lifeguards and nurses.

“In addition to being a fun and rewarding summer job, working at Camp Burnt Gin is an excellent opportunity for someone planning a career in education, health-related professions, or social services to gain experience working with children and teens that have special health care needs,” Aimone said.

 The camp, accredited by the American Camp Association, is open to children and teenagers regardless of race, color, sex, physical disability or national origin. Camp Burnt Gin is an equal opportunity employer.

Persons interested should contact Aimone at (803) 898-0455; or visit the Camp Burnt Gin web page at www.scdhec.gov/campburntgin.